Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
A book cover titled "Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding," featuring two mountain bikers riding along a narrow trail surrounded by trees and mountains in the background. The sky is blue with snow-capped peaks visible, emphasizing a scenic outdoor environment.
  1
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail with greenery and trees, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The screen displays a speed of 12.5 and a timer showing 03:46.
  1
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
  1
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
A promotional image featuring a cyclist on a scenic mountain trail, with text describing the exhilaration of outdoor adventure in Tennessee. The message emphasizes physical challenges and the joy of releasing burdens through activities like biking in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Tennessee logo and website are also included.
Two emergency medical service (EMS) personnel on bicycles at night. One person, wearing a helmet and a jacket with "EMS" on the back, is turned to the side while the other, also in a helmet, is sitting on their bike, engaged in conversation. Both are dressed in reflective gear for visibility. The background includes urban structures and street lighting.
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A group of mountain bikers races along a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, with a mountain peak in the background and a helicopter flying overhead under a clear blue sky.
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
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Line graph showing ride log data for speed over a period from January 27, 2007, to February 14, 2007. The vertical axis indicates speed in miles per hour, ranging from 6.8 to 8.9 mph, while the horizontal axis displays dates. A blue line represents the average speed of 7.61 mph. Data points are plotted to show fluctuations in speed throughout the given time period.
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow, winding trail through a wooded area with bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and outdoor clothing. The scene captures the natural environment of the trail, emphasizing the adventure of mountain biking.
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It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)
  3
It seems like there was something like this available before but apparently Shimano's "Coasting" technology is <a href="http://news.com.com/Bike+makers+take+automatic+transmission+for+a+spin/2100-11389_3-6167629.html">news worthy</a> enough for CNET this week. The technology uses a computer chip to control automatic shifting between one of three gears. The article specifically says the tech isn't meant for road or mountain bikes and doesn't even perform well in inclement weather. "Coasting" is for cruisers only and the article has some interesting insight into the big bike manufacturers' strategy for winning back recreational riders. Perhaps this will be a good starting point for potential new mountain bikers? Just don't ride through any puddles ;)